Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Georgia Providers Host HME Tour and Briefing for Rep. Kingston

Barnes Healthcare Services, an HME provider in Valdosta, Georgia and member of the American Association for Homecare, invited Congressman Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) to their facility for a tour and discussion of the merits of H.R. 3790. In attendance for the meeting were Ed Cockman and Ken Goff from Family Healthcare, Tom Riddle for MRS Homecare, Don Bates from Fuller Rehab, Christie Merchant from Merchant Homecare, Hugh Chancy from Chancy Drugs, Jason Jacobs from Sequal, as well as hosts Charlie Barnes III, Charlie Barnes IV, and Robert Steedley of Barnes Healthcare.

Kingston has consistently declined supporting legislation to replace the bidding program, comparing it to defense contracts. However, following the tour and discussion, the Congressman did commit to speaking with his health legislative assistant to gain a better understanding of the overall cost savings, how bidding impacts services, and what makes the program unfair for providers.

The congressman also wanted to know more about what the HME sector is doing about fraud and abuse.